Profiles in Fiber Arts: Laurette Hoagland

I would like to introduce you to some of my favorite fiber artists and showcase their work and businesses. November’s artist is my friend Laurette Hoagland. She is a weaver, spinner, and wheel restorer (is that even a word?) She graciously answered my questions!

How long have you been involved in fiber arts, and what got you started?

I started weaving as a stress reliever/therapy when we adopted special needs children in the early 90’s.  I found the orderliness of the yarn, the beauty and the rhythms of the weaving process very therapeutic.  But being on a limited budget, I had to use old equipment that needed care.  I also needed to be creative with ways to fund fiber arts and yarns I loved working with, so I started buying more looms and spinning wheels to fix and flip, as well as the occasional sale of woven garments.

Do you have a favorite medium you are involved in? Favorite project?

Working with any handspun luxury fiber is always a very pleasurable experience.  Lately, I have been working on overshot wall hangings using handspun art yarn. My favorites are shawls I have had for years that are still wearing well.  They are like socially acceptable “blankies” I wear for the pleasure of it. 

What is your business?  Can you give a synopsis?

For retail shows, I weave rag rugs on a semi automatic antique loom and a restored cherrywood timber loom.  There is much satisfaction in weaving something practical and beautiful on a loom that was rescued and now working well.  On a weekly basis, I repair spinning wheels I have found or have been donated and find happy homes for them.  It’s a joy to bring them back to life. 

How does your business support missions?

The proceeds of sales support many missions projects on a regular basis, and my own missions travels.  I’ve served in short term missions in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, Peru, Ecuador since 1999.  Now that I’m retired from paid staff ministry at churches, fiber arts has been the way to continue to support the missions projects and missionaries we have been involved with. 

How many wheels have you brought back to life?

Great question!  Hundreds, I would guess!  Some easier than others. 

Where do you source them from?

They seem to just “appear” these days.  Often people will bring them to us at a show, friends refer wheels they know about, many are just dropped off.  When we travel, I will look for wheels for sale in that area. 

What are the things you are looking at when you find a sad wheel?

My first thought is, can I fix this within my own skill set?  If not, I’ll assess the estimated costs (including shipping) of having parts made.  Unfortunately (and fortunately for the buyer),  antique spinning wheels sell at a fraction of the price of a new spinning wheel.  I need to keep the price reasonable so a spinner or collector can afford it. 

What to look for on a wheel

Do you work on other fiber arts equipment besides wheels?

I do some work with looms, they take up a lot of space and sell more slowly.  Sometimes wheels and looms come with extra tools, and folks are always grateful to be able to buy them at much less than retail. 

You have expanded into doing several shows a year, Do you know where you will be in the coming year, and what items will you have available?

Thus far, I have the Distaff Day in Colorado Springs, Greeley Arts Picnic and the Sheepherder’s Rendezvous in Glenrock WY scheduled. Handwoven rugs, smaller giftable handwovens and fiber tools sell well at those venues. 

Do you have a website or social media site people can use to get in touch with you?

We own the domain name LauretteArts.com that is under construction, but we can currently be found on Facebook.  Laurette Arts FB page We will also be releasing a collection of educational videos on YouTube in 2023. Some are already published on Facebook. 

Do you have a substack page people can read?

That’s another of our goals for 2023, to link a blog to our website.  You have inspired us! 

Thank you for taking the time to read about Laurette and her creative work and beautiful restorations!!

Blessed Be!